Fremantle Dockers v Sydney Swans
Saturday, July 16, 7:30pm (AEST)
Optus Stadium, Perth

IN: Hickey
OUT: Ladhams (broken thumb)

Sydney Swans coach John Longmire has confirmed one change for Round 18 against Fremantle on Saturday night in Perth, with Tom Hickey named to replace Peter Ladhams.

Hickey makes a welcome return after illness left him out of the Swans Round 17 match against the Western Bulldogs, the game in which fellow ruckman Ladhams suffered a broken thumb.

Ladhams had surgery on his thumb on Monday and is recovering well and will consult with the surgeon again in a fortnight to determine his return to play timeframe.

Longmire says the return of Tom Hickey will provide a wealth of experience as the Swans face a big challenge in the third placed Dockers.

"One of the great strengths of Fremantle is that they have a very strong ruck division so he's (Hickey) been able to get training in and pulled up well so we look forward to getting him back in the team," Longmire said.

Longmire said his side will be looking another solid four quarter effort like the one they produced in their Round 17 win over the Bulldogs.

"We're striving for that consistency over four quarters and when we have got it right this year we have been very good," Longmire said.

"We go over there to Perth to play against one of the best teams in the competition, they are equal top as far as games won and are a real powerhouse this year in the competition so we get a great test this week."

Josh Kennedy won't make the trip west but will head north to the Gold Coast after being named in the Swans VFL side to play Southport on Friday night.

The 289-gamer returns after seven weeks sidelined with a hamstring injury he sustained in Round 10 against Carlton.

"Josh's been able to train for a couple of weeks now, he's been out for a significant amount of time so it's just good to see him running around, getting amongst it, getting tackled and getting a few kicks and back into the rough and tumble of playing an AFL game," Longmire said.

"Whilst he is playing in the reserves we look forward to seeing how he goes and hopefully he pulls up well for next week."

Get all the important information in our Match Day Hub ahead of Round 18.

ROUND 18 - Sydney Swans v Fremantle, Optus Stadium - Saturday, July 16, 2022.